Vic names Australian of the year finalist

Passionate anti-bullying advocate John Caldwell has been named Victoria's finalist for the 2014 Australian of the Year.

Mr Caldwell, 36, was honoured for his ongoing charity work with anti-bullying organisation Angels Goal Australia which helps support children and young adults who are victims of bullying.

The philanthropist endured a nightmarish childhood, witnessing his own father commit suicide and regularly being bullied for being gay.

Yet despite leaving school at 15 years old with no qualifications, by age 21 Mr Caldwell owned two fastfood franchises and was globally recognised as a top franchisee.

He then went on to become CEO of Retail World Resourcing, a large group for recruitment agencies but it is for his involvement as a corporate ambassador with Angels Goal that he has earned praise and admiration.

All of the profits from his autobiography Full Throttle went towards Angels Goal projects while he also spearheads their public relations campaigns.

Victorian Governor Alex Chernov also announced on Thursday night that the Victorian Senior Australian of the Year is Dr Christine Durham for her work as a teacher and disability advocate.